5 Reasons to Visit Pike Place Market Now

Listening to the lame excuses Seattle residents spout about why they do not frequent Pike Place Market gets on my last good nerve. Especially this time of year, when there are few tourists clogging up the walkways and parking spots are easy enough to find.

Here are five damn good reasons why you should go, like right now, to our city’s tastiest treasure:

The Crumpet Shop is one of the more established venues in the Market, but that doesn’t mean it’s old school stodgy. The mantra at this homey place is about making you happy, and in recent years, the family-owned and run business has listened to its loyal customers and moved in a more organic direction. Yay! Go savory with the green eggs and ham, or jammy sweet. Of course, you could opt for both with the stunningly good combo of both, crumbled Stilton on top of orange marmalade.

Go check out the gorgeous, newly expanded Bavarian Meats. Not only has the sausage-stuffed and cured pork deli case grown, there’s also the option of ordering hot food and eating it in the light-filled counter facing the street, a terrific perch for people watching.

Speaking of expansion, The Daily Dozen is now twice its original size and wants to help double your waistline, too. Those evil geniuses have ripped a page from the playbook of Portland’s Voodoo Doughnuts and are now offering up bacon-studded maple minis. Oh, and they’re offering petite pies, too.

TULIPS! The original spring tonic. They're here and they're beautiful.